Before the match against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday, Simon Rolfes, the club’s sporting director, and Fernando Carro, the CEO of Bayer Leverkusen, presented Alonso with a large image of the trophies he had won with the team. A symbolic plaque named “Xabi Alonso Street” was also awarded to him. Fans in the stadium chanted “Xabi, Xabi!” in his honor.

Alonso said before the match:“What we experienced was very special and emotional. These three seasons have been truly extraordinary. I hope I can also say goodbye in a sporting way. I want to contribute to the team until the last moment.”

His last match on the bench for Leverkusen will be next Saturday against Mainz. According to reports from Spanish newspaper Marca, Xabi Alonso, who won the domestic double with Leverkusen last season, is set to join Real Madrid this summer and replace Carlo Ancelotti until 2028. It is still unclear who will take charge of Leverkusen next season, but names like Cesc Fàbregas and Erik ten Hag have been mentioned as potential candidates.

The farewell ceremony was not only for Xabi Alonso. Jonathan Tah, the German national team defender whose contract expires in the summer and has decided not to renew, was also applauded by the fans. Additionally, three loaned players—Nordin Amrabat, Mario Hermoso, and Emiliano Bondia—who will leave Leverkusen at the end of the season, were also cheered by the spectators.